Sport

Cherry ready to live the dream at Scottish

Hooker David Cherry admits he will be 'living the dream' after signing his first professional contract with London Scottish this week.

Cherry becomes the second Scot to join the Club in the space of seven days following the arrival of former Scotland under-20s scrum-half Matt Heeks.

The 23-year-old crosses the border from RBS Premiership outfit Currie having previously enjoyed a two-year spell at English National One side Tynedale whilst studying in Newcastle.

A string of impressive performances for Currie last season by the former Scotland U18s captain put him on the radar of London Scottish Head Coach James Buckland and Cherry did not hesitate when he was offered a one-year full-time contract.

"It is a great opportunity, too good to pass up, and I am determined to embrace it,” Cherry said.

"I want to go as far as I can in the sport and this is my first pro contract. It will be a big change but I will be living the dream and I cannot wait for the season to start.

"James Buckland was a hooker in his playing days and I'm looking forward to getting on the training field with him.

Cherry will be reunited with his former Scotland Under-20s teammates Mike Doneghan and Jamie Stevenson and he hopes to quickly settle in London having moved down earlier this week.

He added: "I never thought I would live in London but it's a great city, if slightly different to what I am used to in Edinburgh. My sister is down here and I know Jamie and Mike so that should help me settle in."

Head coach James Buckland said: "David came on our radar last season and I know he is desperate to develop his game in a professional environment.

"He is very mobile around the park and has the ability to bring his tight game up to the high standards of Adam Kwasnicki.

"We are looking for David to hit the ground running in pre-season and hopefully next year will be a breakthrough season for him.”